Gin is made with juniper. But after that, you can add whatever ingredients you want.
Over the years, distillers have become creative, more daring, and sometimes borderline unhinged with their botanical selections. And that means there’s a world of unusual flavours waiting to be discovered.
From smoky notes to briny infusions, and even a dash of culinary creativity, these bottles redefine what’s possible. Here are ten super unusual gins.
Super unusual gins: 10 of the best
Fishers Smoked Gin
This coastal-inspired gin is infused with local botanicals from Suffolk and a touch of smoke which creates a savoury, salty palate that’s reminiscent of a seaside bonfire. Make it the talking point in any cocktail. Smoky Martini, anyone?
Portobello Road Celebrated Butter Gin
Butter in a gin? I’m sold. Distilled with clarified butter, Portobello Road Celebrated Butter Gin delivers a creamy texture and rich mouthfeel. Make a Negroni with this. I dare ya.
Anty Gin
Created by The Cambridge Distillery, Anty Gin is exactly what it sounds like. It’s made with red wood ants. That might sound utterly wild, but the insects actually contribute a unique citrusy tang thanks to their natural formic acid. If that’s not your taste, Cambridge Truffle Gin includes black winter truffles for an earthy, decadent flavour profile.
Dà Mhìle Seaweed Gin
Infused with hand-harvested seaweed from the Celtic coast, this organic gin boasts umami-rich, maritime notes. I’ve loved this gin for years. It was designed to complement seafood, so crack out the oysters!
Sharish Blue Gin
You never forget the first time you had a Sharish Blue Gin and Tonic. Its star ingredient is extracts of a flower known as blue pea which give it that magnificent blue colour. But when you mix the gin with tonic, it turns pink. A little bit of magic we’re sure your friends will love.
Tarsier Khao San Gin
Inspired by the foods of Thailand, Tarsier packed this gin with the likes of Thai red chilli, lemongrass and Makrut lime leaves to create a bold, spicy customer that should make an excellent Red Snapper.
Deliquescent Haggis Gin
A tribute to Scotland’s culinary heritage, this gin captures the essence of haggis with a blend of herbs and spices. No actual haggis was distilled, but this unconventional gin is surprisingly versatile. Try it with Irn-Bru.
Gabriel Boudier Saffron Gin
A vibrant orange-hued gin infused with saffron, this French delight balances exotic spice with citrus and juniper. Its stunning colour and distinctive flavour make it ideal for showstopping cocktails.
Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin
Crafted with basalt volcanic rock, this gin brings an earthy minerality to the mix. Its subtle smoky undertones and juniper-forward profile make it as intriguing as it is drinkable. The bottle has quite the shelf presence too.
Isle of Bute Oyster Gin
This gin incorporates oysters, Yes. Oysters. The slippery suckers are included in the distillation to create a briny, coastal character. It doesn’t make a fishy gin, however, but a refreshing one with a delicate salinity that pairs beautifully with tonic and a slice of cucumber.

Which gin takes your fancy?
The Last Drop: the TL;DR of this article.
Which of these top 10 super unusual gins will you be trying first? Let us know your favourites and how you’ve been enjoying them!